Dolphins Falter Against Titans as Quarterback Struggles Continue

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins’ offensive woes deepened as they suffered a 31-12 defeat to the Tennessee Titans on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium. Mason Rudolph stepped in for the injured Will Levis and led Tennessee to their first victory of the season, while Miami’s struggles at quarterback persisted.

Tyler Huntley, signed just two weeks ago off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, made his first start for the Dolphins. With Tua Tagovailoa still sidelined due to a concussion, and backup Skylar Thompson nursing a rib injury, Miami turned to their third quarterback in four games. Huntley showed flashes of potential but ultimately couldn’t spark the offense, which has now failed to score a touchdown in nine of their last ten quarters.

Huntley finished with 96 passing yards and a 1-yard rushing touchdown late in the game, but it was far too late to mount a comeback. His touchdown run snapped a nine-quarter scoring drought for Miami, but it was one of the few highlights on an otherwise frustrating night for the Dolphins. Huntley’s inexperience was evident, as the team committed five illegal shift penalties, with three coming on a single drive. Miscommunications and missed opportunities plagued the Dolphins throughout the game.

On the other side, the Titans capitalized on Miami’s mistakes. Mason Rudolph took over after Levis left with a shoulder injury early in the first quarter, throwing for 85 yards and managing the game effectively. Veteran kicker Nick Folk connected on five field goals, and the Titans’ rushing attack, led by Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard, combined for 142 yards and two touchdowns.

Tennessee’s defense was relentless, limiting the Dolphins to just 184 total yards and stifling Miami’s running game. Tyreek Hill was held to just 23 yards on four catches, marking his third straight game under 50 yards.

Miami’s defense did its best to keep the team in the game, with Emmanuel Ogbah intercepting Levis in the first quarter and the Dolphins recovering a muffed punt just before halftime. However, the offense failed to capitalize on either opportunity, and the Titans extended their lead with a field goal as the first half ended.

The Dolphins’ season is quickly slipping away as they fall to 1-3. Without the leadership of Tagovailoa, the offense has struggled to find rhythm, and the issues were compounded by Huntley’s limited familiarity with the system. Head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged the difficulties: “There’s a disconnect between preparation and execution. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing behind the scenes; on the field, it’s not good enough.”

With Tagovailoa out for at least two more games, the Dolphins face a daunting challenge. Despite early season optimism, the team now finds itself in a precarious position. The offense has only managed 45 points through four games, the lowest in the league, and they’ve yet to hold a lead this season.

As Miami prepares for its next matchup against the Patriots at New England, there’s a sense of urgency to address the lingering issues on offense. Huntley, while showing moments of promise, will need to adjust quickly if the Dolphins hope to turn things around before it’s too late.

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